The 2026 Big 5 Classic will debut at The Palestra to celebrate its 100th anniversary, featuring all six NCAA Division I women's basketball teams in a pod system. Each team plays round-robin within their pod, leading to a championship tripleheader on December 6, where top finishers compete for titles. The two pods include Drexel, Penn, and Saint Joseph's in one, with La Salle, Temple, and Villanova in the other. The Hawks will start their pod journey against Drexel on November 15 and finish against Penn on November 18. Specific ticket information for this historic event is forthcoming.

By the Numbers
  • Championship tripleheader on December 6 at The Palestra.
  • Six NCAA Division I women's basketball programs split into two pods.
State of Play
  • Saint Joseph's will host Penn on November 18 as part of pod play.
  • The Palestra has hosted basketball games since 1927, celebrating its 100th anniversary this season.
What's Next

The event will showcase the storied Palestra, enhancing visibility for women's basketball in Philadelphia. Teams will prepare to stake their claim in the Big 5 standings leading up to the championship.

Bottom Line

The celebration of the Palestra's centennial adds cultural significance to the Big 5 Classic, emphasizing the growth of women's basketball and the importance of historic venues in the sport.